----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Forwarded from MapInfo email list. Sorry for duplication. --Mark Thomas --- Begin Forwarded Message --- >Date: Wed, 14 Jan 1998 12:01:59 -0600 >From: Scott Elliott <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: MI Press Release >Sender: [log in to unmask] >To: [log in to unmask] >Reply-To: Scott Elliott <[log in to unmask]> Message-ID: <[log in to unmask]> January 14, 1998, 10:30 am Mountain Time Company Press Release BLR Data Announces the Acquisition of Wessex, Inc., a Leading Provider of U.S. Census Bureau Data. Acquisition Expands BLR Data's Presence in the Government data market. Tucson, AZ;January 14, 1998; BLR Data today announced that it has acquired Wessex, a leading provider of U.S. Census Bureau and government data. Wessex provides geographic data, mapping and demographic solutions for a wide range of industry sectors, including retail, finance, real estate, telecommunications, education and government. Wessex was formed in 1983 to provide spreadsheet, database design and consulting for PC users at larger U.S. corporations. In the fall of 1992, Wessex released their first product, a conversion of the TIGER files into MapInfo format. The company quickly established itself as a price performance leader in the industry. Wessex released the first version of Pro/Filer in 1993. The Windows based product delivered demographic data gathered in the 1990 Census. By 1994, Wessex was producing data in MapInfo and ArcView format. At the end of 1994 Wessex introduced First St., a product created with partner ESRI. In 1995, Wessex added SAS and SPSS format data to its Pro/Filer demographics line. Wessex joined Microsoft's Office Compatible Program in 1995, and release FirstMap, a product which makes desktop mapping with Excel 95 quick, easy, and effective. "We have always respected Wessex's ability to deliver U.S. Census Bureau and government data," said John W. Buttery, BLR Data's president. "We look forward to expanding their data product lines and making Wessex the leading government geographic and demographic data publisher." Scott Elliott, CEO of Wessex, and his organization will be joining BLR Data as an operating division. According to Elliott, "We are very excited to become part of BLR Data. The synergies of the operating division will allow us to extend the Wessex product line and Web presence." "Our experienced direct, VAR and OEM sales groups will add significant presence and stability to the Wessex data product line," said Steve Kresl, VP of Sales and Marketing of BLR Data. "We look forward to strengthening and expanding the relationships that Wessex has developed." According to Brian McCarty, CEO of BLR Data, "This acquisition represents the first of many for BLR Data in 1998. Our company is committed to the GIS data business and we want to provide our clients with all the tools necessary to make their applications successful. We intend to use BLR Data's large cash position to expand our product offerings through acquisition of key U.S. and International data providers." 30 --------- 30 ---------- 30 About BLR Data: BLR Data maintains over 50 databases, including StreetNetwork 7.2, TrafficVolumes 4.0, MajorRoads, HighwayNetwork, Telco boundaries, demographics and GIS software. BLR Data also offers custom application development and consulting services. The company has grown exponentially since 1991 and employs over 110 people who are dedicated to developing, marketing and supporting our premium databases. In 1997, BLR Data purchased its World Headquarters in Tucson, Arizona. The company has regional sales offices in Portland, Dallas and Hartford. The Wessex Division offices are in Winnetka, Illinois. http://www.blrdata.com http://www.wessex.com Posted by Scott Elliott, [log in to unmask] Regards, Scott Elliott [log in to unmask] Wessex, Inc. http://www.wessex.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe from this list, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] and put "unsubscribe MAPINFO-L" in the message body, or contact [log in to unmask]